CEiMB: White Turkey Chili

Happy Hump Day all!  I woke up this morning with one thing on my mind….PANCAKES!  Not just any ole pancake, but, a HUGE protein packed coconut, vanilla pancake covered in whipped butter and mapley goodness.

You know, just your average healthy Weight Watchers Oatmeal Pancake that takes up your entire plate for only  (10 points+ with 2 tsp whipped butter, coconut & PURE Maple Syrup)

I was super productive after breakfast getting a ton of my todo’s done.  After putting everything in the crockpot for tonight’s dinner, I decided I just NEEDED to have a little Rice Sticks in my life.

I originally bought these to make Pad Thai, but, when I saw THIS RECIPE for Spicy Chicken Noodles from Cooking Light, I knew I had to make it.

These noodles are 5 points+ a serving.

I pretty much followed the recipe with a few exceptions   I added organic broccoli slaw and sweet red peppers for some veggie crunch.

I turned on the grill for lunch to make all the neighbors jealous….LOL.  Actually, I grill a lot just so I don’t have another pan to wash.  I marinated 2 chicken breasts in this Brandy Chipotle Apple Marinade.

Just toss everything together with the dressing you whip up while everything cooks.

Add chopped cashews & sesame seeds, then, dig in.  You get 1 3/4 cups for 10 points+.  The Husband thought it tasted better cold, I think it tastes better hot.  It has a nice sesame, ginger, sriracha spice and I’d definitely make it again maybe with a little peanut butter in the sauce.

I always want something sweet after Asian food so I had a big bowl of 0 points+ blueberries for dessert.

This week’s host for Craving Ellie in My Belly is Leslie of Lethally Delicious.  She is always whipping up baked goods that make my mouth water.  She picked Ellie Krieger’s White Turkey Chili for all of us to make.  You can find the recipe HERE.

My first challenge was finding a Poblano Pepper.  Did you all know that a Pasilla Pepper is the same thing?  I didn’t know until I googled what a pasilla pepper was on my phone while in the produce section

I really thought this recipe would work great in the Crockpot so I modified it just for that.  I “Quick Soaked” my beans since I didn’t soak them overnight by placing them in 6 cups of water and bringing them to a boil.  Then, removed from heat, cover and let sit for 1 hour.

While the beans soaked, I prepped everything else.  I chopped up my celery, onion, peppers, garlic and spices.

Saute your veggies in Olive Oil until slightly soft, about 4 minutes.

Add your spices and garlic, cooking for 1 minute.

If you don’t have ground turkey breast on hand, you can always use your food processor to “chop” up 1 lb of turkey or chicken breast.

Add your turkey and cook until it’s no longer pink, about 8 minutes.

The final steps….chicken broth, oregano and beans.

Cover and cook on low for 8-9 hours or high for 5-6 hours.

I added the hominy about 10 minutes before serving.  I didn’t want to cook it in the chili all day because I thought it might break down into nothing.  Season to taste with sea salt, black pepper and SALSA (my addition)

Top with Cilantro.

Serve with limes on the side.  I opted out of adding greek yogurt because it didn’t seem to fit as a topper for this chili.

Soups, chili’s and stews always require crusty bread.  I had 2 slices (6 points+)

I think next time if I made it again, I’d definitely add a container of diced tomatoes and green chilies maybe even some chili powder too.  I had a 1 cup serving for 5 points+

Honestly, I didn’t LOVE this recipe at all.  It was rather bland and needed more “umpfh” in my opinion.  Even after adding more hot sauce and BBQ Sauce (the husband’s suggestion), I thought it was still just ok.  Sorry Leslie , it was still fun to make and use my crockpot.  Oh and The Husband LOVED it ~ he had 5 cups (lucky me)….

BANANA SOFT SERVE is calling my name (ZERO points+).  For those who asked me today how I make it, you can find how I make mine HERE.

Q’s:

1.  What are your 2011 New Year’s Resolutions/Goals?

I am working this week on coming up with my 12 monthly goals like I have in the past.  I started out by Brainstorming some of my ideas over at Friends for Weight Loss.  This year, I am definitely making all 12 happen, but, I’d love to “steal” some ideas from you all

Night all!